Data collection

As highlighted earlier the researcher made use of a qualitative research approach that allows for in-depth and interactive methods between the participants and the researcher using techniques such as semi-structured, structured and formal interviews as well as focus groups among other procedures (Davies, 2007).

3.5.1 Data collection method

In collecting the data, in-depth qualitative semi-structured interviews with questions contained in an interview-guide were used. According to DiCicco-Bloom & Crabtree (2007), when using a semi-structured interviews in qualitative research, the interviewer and the interviewee are equal partners. This in turn makes it important for the researcher to gain trust from the participants to engage in a conversation with a purpose (DiCicco-Bloom & Crabtree, 2007). For the researcher to gain trust from the participants in consideration of the fact that she is conducting a study on a topic which is regarded as secretive and masculine, she made use of a male research assistant who had undergone Ulwaluko. This was in line with the Xhosa cultural belief that it is forbidden for a woman and/or a man who has not undergone Ulwaluko to know or to be taught about the teachings or the process of Ulwaluko.

Another advantage of having a research assistant was that he was on standby in cases where the participants or key informants may have been reluctant to share information with her as a woman. Before signing the consent form, participants were consulted whether they were comfortable in being interviewed by a female or male, more importantly a male who is most likely to have shared the same experience and/or has the knowledge of Ulwaluko. This was done to show respect for the culture and the participants. Fortunately, there were no instances where neither the participants nor the key informant was reluctant to share information with the researcher and had requested a male to interview them. According to Marshall & Rossman (2014), when the researcher displays respect for the research participants who will

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be sharing sensitive information, he/she also manifests trust from the participants making it easy to engage effectively and share information.

In qualitative research, interviews have open-ended questions which help the researcher to obtain data from the participants’ meanings as to how the individual views his/her world and how he/she explains or makes sense of the important events in their lives (Halloway & Galvin, 2016). Creswell, (2014) maintains that the researcher will know the areas about which to obtain more information from the participant, but will also allow the participant the options to explore different thoughts, and feelings. The open-ended questions in the interview-guide kept both the researcher and the participants focussed in that it assisted her to draw the participants back to the topic under discussion while also allowing her to gain more insights on the participants’ perception and feelings.

This is also supported by Gray (2009) who states that qualitative in-depth semi-structured interviews offer the researcher access to the participants’ ideas, thoughts and memories expressed in their own words, rather than in the words of the researcher. He adds that, they also allow the opportunities for researchers to get clarifications so that relevant data is captured, thereby actively involving the participants and allowing free interactions between the researcher and the participants.

3.5.2 Interview setting

The interviews were held in a setting where participants felt comfortable and most importantly, they took place in a place where there was less noise, as all the interviews were recorded with the consent of the participant (see Appendix B: Consent Form). The different interviews took place in the following settings:

- The House of Smile Khanyisa Centre office in Philippi - A friend’s house in Montana

- Residence assistant office in Cecil Esau Residence at the University of the Western Cape

The interview site used was through the guidance of Rubin & Rabbie (2010) who state that researchers should seek a neutral place to conduct interviews, where participants will not feel uncomfortable speaking freely about some issues in places where other people are present and might overhear the conversations. Monette et al. (2011) add that when considering the research site, researchers must examine how the power relations such as gender, ethnicity and

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other dimensions of social differentiation are manifested in the cultures and places where research is conducted and how they shape the ethics and politics of knowledge construction in fieldwork.

3.5.3 Interview-guide

Questions during the interviews were asked inductively (wide-lens), proceeding from the general to the specific questions as stated by Davies (2007). This was supported by Given (2008) who states that inductive questioning is appropriate for a small sample as a small sample is analysed with greater gravity and has more scrutiny on the information about the subject matter. Making use of inductive questioning also makes it possible for depth analysis as it assumes there is plenty of time to ask open-ended questions which are more exploratory, which is usually at the beginning of the interview process.

Participants were asked questions which proceeded from the general to the specific such as: 1. From the general it was looking at their background, where they are from originally,

their age etc. This was to get to know more about the participants and to make them comfortable.

2. Assessing their knowledge and understanding of masculinity.

Example: “What is your understanding of masculinity? As a gay man, what in your

opinion does it take to be a real man? Would you say in your opinion, what it takes to be a real man is influenced by society? Why do you say so? What is your understanding of gay men’s masculinity? How would you say gay men construct their masculinity? Describe how your family sees you in terms of masculinity? How do you feel about your sexuality?

3. Knowledge, understanding and experience of Ulwaluko and their perceptions of other rituals done

Example: “What do you think about engaging in rituals? Do you think it helps to

develop you as a person? What do you think is the purpose of Ulwaluko? What were your experiences in being part of Ulwaluko? How were you treated during the process of Ulwaluko? How did Ulwaluko influence your identity? Through the process of Ulwaluko what have you learnt about yourself? As a Xhosa gay man who has been involved in the process of Ulwaluko, would you say there are some aspects of your behaviour which society considers as normal (normative masculinity) behaviours of men? Would you describe these behaviours for me?”

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The interview guide (see Appendix A) was prepared before the session, and the language was negotiated with the participants so that depth responses are solicited. The interview schedule was in both English and Xhosa to accommodate all research participants. Interviews that were held in Xhosa were then translated into English for the academic requirements of the thesis. The use of the semi-structured interviews enabled the study to be a credible qualitative study as maintained by Buckingham & Saunders (2008).